What It Takes To Plan A SR-71 Mission | Rich Graham (Clip)

In this clip from our interview (7/8 years ago) with former Blackbird pilot, Rich Graham, he shares what it takes to plan and fly a SR-71 mission.
Enjoy!

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Original thumbnail photo by Ken Hackman

[hendongooner]

Had the pleasure of meeting Rich Graham back in 2014 or so at Duxford IoW museum where he did a lecture and walkaround the SR-71 that is in that museum. Got a signed book of his and also a signed die-cast metal model of the SR-71

[matthayward]

I’ve enjoyed every interview I’ve ever seen with Rich Graham. What a career!

[tnvcxzd]

Rich Graham is a legend, his books are unparalleled. I first saw him on the BBC series "Reaching for the Skies" where i learned about how Cadmium interferes with Titanium at high temperatures. I have one of his signed books, i treasure it ❤

[albertmontanes]

amazing bloke this guy, looking forward to his contributions

[raye]

Met both Rich and his wife at a special meeting of my Vulcan XL426 group at Southend - for a in depth talk on his SR 71 years as Captain — also got 2 of his books at the signing - he put me in touch with my Base Commander LT COL GEORGE T MORGAN ( who sadly recently passed away ). Who he called Hey old GT !! Who was the RSO TO Captain Jerez — he told of the flight meals he had during missions which he heated up by placing them on the cockpit glass which was at 850 deg C also the time one of his fellow SR71 pilots came in from the Pacific “Hot “ low level with a sonic boom and a very unhappy Zsa
Zsa Gabor threatening the base commander for instantly breaking windows in her. Beachside property !!! Absolutely one of the best Talk / Q and A sessions we had 👏🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇧

[mkmdexplorationparanormal]

Love hearing from these pilot's who flew the elusive SR-71 such a mystical aircraft, and the stories are fascinating, great work buddy 🙂👍

[hoghogwild]

I always thought the 57 minute no-refuel missions out of Kadena were referred to as "Lead Sled" missions as these were the only missions that launched with the heavier 65, 000 pound fuel loads. All other operational missions launched with the lighter fuel loads followed by hitting a tanker up at 25, 000'sish feet. Launching with the 65, 000-80, 000 pound fuel loads caused excessive landing gear wear and caused issues in regards to the larger "black zones" if an engine was lost during early launch. A single J58 at full grunt would overcome rudder authority at slower speeds.

[KRGruner]

I remember meeting many of these guys at the RAF Mildenhall officers' club on Friday nights, when I was flying F-111s at nearby Lakenheath. Always interesting talking to the people with the "Habu" shoulder patches!

[Scotscan]

And det 4 that he mentions here is still taking place today, keeping a good eye on our eastern friends ;)

[louissanderson]

Rich lives in the UK part time doesn’t he?